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NIFT Slashes Entrance Fees: How Aspiring Designers Can Save Up to 67%

Great news for future fashion designers! NIFT has significantly lowered its application fees to make the entrance process more accessible. For general category students, the fee is now Rs. 2,000, while reserved category candidates pay just Rs. 500. The institute is also promoting its existing financial aid, like the 'Sarthak' scholarship, to support students. Remember, the last date to apply without a late fee is January 6, 2026.

Key Points: NIFT Reduces Application Fee for 2026-27 Entrance Exam

  • Open category fee reduced from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 2,000 for NIFT entrance exam
  • SC/ST/PwD candidates now pay only Rs. 500, down from Rs. 1,500
  • Application deadline is January 6, 2026, with a late window until January 10
  • Entrance exam for UG/PG courses will be conducted by NTA on February 8, 2026
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NIFT reduces application fee for entrance test for batch of 2026-27 across various categories

NIFT cuts application fees for all categories, making its 2026-27 entrance exam more affordable. Check new rates, deadlines, and financial aid options.

"The reduction is due to making the entrance exam more accessible and encouraging greater participation from aspiring designers. - NIFT Announcement"

New Delhi, December 19

In a recent announcement, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) reduced the application fees for the 2026-27 batch for various categories.

For the Open, OBC (NCL), and Open-EWS categories, the fees have been reduced from Rs. 3,000/- to Rs. 2,000/-. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the reduction is from Rs. 1,500/- to Rs. 500/-.

The reduction is due to making the entrance exam more accessible and encouraging greater participation from aspiring designers. However, many financial aid options are also provided by the institute, such as scholarships like 'Sarthak' (means-cum-merit) and study abroad assistance. NIFT previously allowed fee payment in instalments to ease the burden of lump-sum payments.

The Institute has commenced the entrance exam process for the 2026-27 batch across various UG and PG courses in fashion design, management, and technology. The last date for form filling is 6th January 2026 (from 7th to 10th January 2026 with a late fee), and the exam date is 8th February 2026.

The CBT and pen-and-paper-based All India entrance exam will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in over 100 cities across the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Good step, but the real financial burden is the course fee itself, which is still very high. The reduction to ₹500 for SC/ST/PwD is meaningful, though. Hope they also increase the number of scholarships under 'Sarthak'.
S
Sarah B
As someone who mentors young designers, I see this as a positive signal. Lowering the initial barrier encourages more talented kids from smaller towns to even consider applying. The instalment option for course fees is also a lifesaver.
R
Rohit P
Bahut accha decision hai! My sister is preparing for NIFT 2026. Yeh ₹1000 ka reduction humare liye important hai. Exam 100+ cities mein hoga, that's also great for students in the Northeast and other remote areas. All the best to all aspirants! 👍
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the fee cut, I wish the announcement came a bit earlier in the preparation cycle. Many students have already budgeted for the old fee. Still, a welcome move for future batches. The focus should remain on the quality of education provided.
M
Meera T
This is especially impactful for students from reserved categories. Reducing it to just ₹500 is a significant gesture towards inclusion. Fashion design shouldn't just be for the elite. More such steps are needed across all design institutes.

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